APPENDIX E

Section 106 of NHPA Documentation

October 22, 2014

Nick Wildman

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth

Massachusetts Historical Commission

Massachusetts Division ofEcological Restoration 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02114

RE: Rattlesnake Brook Restoration/Dam Removal, South Main Street and Narrows Road, Freetown, MA. MHC # RC.54851.

Dear Mr. Wildman:

Staff of the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) have reviewed the technical archaeological report, Intensive Historic Properties Survey and Archaeological Walkover/Mapping, Rattlesnake brook Restoration Project, Freetown, Massachusetts, prepared by the PAL, Inc., received October 10, 2014, for the project referenced above.

Results of the intensive survey indicate that the project impact area includes no areas undisturbed by historical period industrial activities; unlikely to contain intact, significant artifacts, features and soil deposits associated with ancient and early historical period Native American occupation and land use. The PAL indicates that the Crystal Spring( s) Bleachery Complex, including the Dam, do not possess sufficient research value, and therefore does not meet the Criteria of Evaluation (36 CFR 60) for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

The report indicates that in the PAL's opinion, the Crystal Spring Bleachery Village historic area also does not meet the Criteria for Evaluation (36 CFR 60) because it lacks integrity. However, the PAL notes three historic properties that retain integrity based on their architectural characteristics (Criteria C) and associations (Criteria A) within the Crystal Spring Bleachery Village, described on pages 63, 71 and 93 of the technical report. In the MHC's opinion, the project as proposed is unlikely to affect the historic characteristics of these three properties.

The MHC agrees with the PAL's opinions of eligibility and ineligibility and suggests that the survey has adequately documented the historic architectural and archaeological resources within the Crystal Spring Bleachery complex (MHC # FRE.934/B; FRE.HA.20), including the dam and the above-ground foundation remains, and Crystal Spring Village historic area.

The MHC recommends no further historic or archaeological survey for the project as proposed. After review of the infonnation provided and our files, in MHC' s opinion, no historic properties will be affected (36 CFR 800.4(d)(l)) by the project as proposed. If project plans change, then current project information should be provided to the MHC for review and comment

220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 727-8470 • Fax: (617) 727-5128

www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc

These comments are offered to assist in compliance with Section 106 ofthe National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (36 CFR 800) and M.G.L Chapter 9, Sections 26-27C (950 CMR 70-71). If you have any questions or require additional information, please contactJonathan K. Patton at this office.

Sincerely,

Brona Simon State Historic Preservation Officer Executive Director State Archaeologist Massachusetts Historical Commission

xc: Mike Labossiere, City of Fall River, Department of Public Utilities Cathy Bozek, The Nature Conservancy Karen Kirk Adams, USACOE-New England District Kate Atwood, USACOE-New England District Bettina Washington, WTGH(A) Ramona Peters, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Kenny Alves, Assonet W ampanoag Victor T. Mastone, Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources DEP-SERO, Wetlands & Waterways DCR-Office of Dam Safety Patrice Kish, DCR Freetown Conservation Commission Freetown Historical Commission